english Broadband Subsidy Program Ends But Debate Continues By infopackets.com Published On :: Wed, 09 Oct 2024 17:17:27 +0000 Four months after the end of a subsidy program for home broadband, individual states are figuring out if and how they can expand access. Meanwhile the debate over the value and impact of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) continues to rage. The program launched in 2021 as part of a wider infrastructure package. It was available to households earning up to double the federal poverty level or with somebody in a government assistance program. Under the program, households would get a government-funded discount of up to $30 a month on broadband services and a one-off discount of $100 for a ... (view more) Full Article
english Telegram Will Share User Data With Cops By infopackets.com Published On :: Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:49:52 +0000 The head of controversial messaging app Telegram says it will now comply with some legal requests for information about users. Russian business owner Pavel Durov announced the policy change just weeks after being arrested in France and charged with enabling criminal activity. Telegram is a messaging app similar to WhatsApp in that the content of messages is encrypted, to the point that even the operators of the app can't read private messages. It has a couple of significant differences that likely affect the type of people that use it, however. One is that unlike WhatsApp's limit of 1,000 ... (view more) Full Article
english New YouTube Channel - Update By infopackets.com Published On :: Fri, 04 Oct 2024 18:33:37 +0000 Dear Infopackets Readers, Last Friday I posted an article detailing ideas for a new Infopackets YouTube pilot program. The videos posted on the new YouTube channel will highlight Microsoft Windows-related remote desktop technical support (provided by yours truly) whereby you email me an issue you're having through our website, I call you to discuss the issue, then I connect to your computer to resolve the problem for you. The phone call and video will be recorded, edited, and then uploaded to our future YouTube channel which currently does not exist . Below is an update to that announcement. ... (view more) Full Article
english Necro Malware Infects 'Modified' Spotify, WhatsApp By infopackets.com Published On :: Wed, 02 Oct 2024 19:21:42 +0000 "Modified" versions of popular apps have helped distribute a nasty piece of Android malware. The tactic expanded the reach of the Necro Trojan despite Google's security checks. Necro was able to survive for some time before discovery, largely because the infection wasn't obvious to users. Its main purpose was to hijack phones and use them to make money for the people behind the malware. This included displaying paid ads in the background so that users didn't see them, but the scammers were able to claim revenue from advertisers. The malware would also install apps on the phone to earn ... (view more) Full Article
english Chrome Offers New Options on Browser Notifications By infopackets.com Published On :: Mon, 30 Sep 2024 20:24:00 +0000 Chrome is getting more proactive on browser safety. The changes are coming to both desktops and Android devices. It's part of the browser's "Safety Check" feature which already warns users if a password has been compromised or if a website appears unsafe. The feature is expanding to cover permissions and notifications. The former involves the way Chrome controls whether or not a specific website has access to computer resources and data such as a microphone, webcam or precise location. Chrome will now start automatically revoking permissions from websites the user rarely visits. Google has ... (view more) Full Article
english Infopackets to Launch YouTube Tech Support Pilot Program By infopackets.com Published On :: Fri, 27 Sep 2024 20:44:27 +0000 Dear Infopackets Readers, I would like to introduce the launch of an exciting, new video-based tech support Q ... (view more) Full Article
english Windows File Explorer Can Remotely Access Android Phone By infopackets.com Published On :: Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:54:59 +0000 Windows users will soon be able to access files on their Android phone or tablet without a USB cable. The feature is already available in test editions of Windows 11. The feature, first reported back in June, has now arrived for members of the Windows Insider Program, which gives early access to in-development and test features. They will also need to install the "Cross device experience host" tool from the Microsoft store. Windows does already offer some wireless connectivity with Android phones such as using it as a webcam or getting on-screen notifications from the phone replicated on the ... (view more) Full Article
english Scammers Frustrate Users into Giving Up their Gmail By infopackets.com Published On :: Fri, 20 Sep 2024 17:14:55 +0000 Scammers are using a creative way to trick people into handing over their Google account passwords. The tactic works by annoying the victim until they stop thinking rationally. Most scams to get hold of account passwords, particularly sensitive ones like a Google account, work in one of two ways. Some scammers will try to intercept the password, for example by using keylogging software that records everything a user types. Others prefer phishing, where the user is tricked into typing in details into a bogus, lookalike website. The new scam, using malware named StealC, is much simpler. It ... (view more) Full Article
english Being Blackmailed on Instagram? Here's What to Do By infopackets.com Published On :: Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:46:55 +0000 Infopackets Reader Steve T. writes: " Dear Dennis, Please help! I am being blackmailed on Instagram and I'm not sure what to do. A few weeks ago I signed up for Plenty of Fish (PoF) dating and matched up with a woman that I believed to be legit. We exchanged photos on Instagram and texted back and forth for about a week. Not long after, we exchanged raunchy photos. Fast forward to just a few days ago and she claims to have crashed her car and doesn't have enough to cover the costs. She's asked me to help. I declined. She said if I don't pay, she would share intimate pictures of me with all of ... (view more) Full Article
english Google Brings Back Archived Page Links By infopackets.com Published On :: Mon, 16 Sep 2024 17:24:00 +0000 Google is to make it easier to find copies of pages that are no longer available on websites. The change comes several months after Google removed its own cache of web pages. Users will instead be able to follow a link to the archived copy at the Internet Archive's "wayback machine." Before this year, many Google search results included a link to Google's own cached copies of web pages. These were the copies that Google made when scanning a web page for content and links to help decide when and where it should appear in search rankings. The cached copy available in the search results would ... (view more) Full Article
english AI Songs Earn $12 Million in Royalty Scam By infopackets.com Published On :: Fri, 13 Sep 2024 17:40:02 +0000 A man who earned $12 million in royalties after "writing" hundreds of thousands of songs has been charged with fraud. Michael Smith allegedly created the songs with artificial intelligence, then used bots to "listen" to the music on streaming services to generated revenue. The case against Smith is not that the music itself was "not real" but rather that he was falsely claiming credit for listeners. Prosecutors say that not only did he steal money from the streaming sites, but that legitimate songwriters missed out. That's because some streaming sites divide a fixed ... (view more) Full Article
english Android to Tackle Data Harvesting Scam Apps By infopackets.com Published On :: Wed, 11 Sep 2024 17:58:52 +0000 A key change to Android could reduce the risk of scammers stealing personal data or money. The update will mean sensitive apps won't open unless potentially risky apps are closed first. The idea is to tackle rogue apps which are designed to either capture personal data from another app, or to take control of the phone unbeknownst to the owner. Developer Choice Google's new tactic aims to find a balance between restricting the activities of such rogue apps and keeping the freedom of users to choose what apps they install, including those from sources other than the official Play Store. The ... (view more) Full Article
english Photo-Scraping Business Ignores $39M Privacy Fine By infopackets.com Published On :: Mon, 09 Sep 2024 16:44:58 +0000 A US company that used billions of online photos without permission for facial recognition faces a fine of more than $35 million. Regulators say they may hold directors of Clearview AI personally responsible after the company said the fine was unenforceable. Clearview has attracted the attention of regulators in several companies for the way it does business. It produces and licenses facial recognition software to law enforcement agencies, for example, to identify alleged offenders from crowd photos or live video. The software works thanks to a massive database of pictures which Clearview ... (view more) Full Article
english Google Reveals Election Security Efforts By infopackets.com Published On :: Fri, 06 Sep 2024 19:23:33 +0000 Google has revealed a series of measures aimed to better inform US voters while reducing the risk of malicious misinformation. It includes restrictions on its AI tools and better protection against cyber attacks for election and campaign officials. The measures broadly break down into three categories. The first is better information for users who are trying to find out more about elections. For example, users who search YouTube for the name of an election candidate will get an information panel detailing official website and video channel links for the candidate. (Source: engadget.com ) ... (view more) Full Article
english Windows Recall Not Uninstallable By infopackets.com Published On :: Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:42:19 +0000 Microsoft says its controversial Windows Recall feature will not be removable in Windows 11. The optional feature creates near-continuous screenshots of the computer display for an AI-powered help tool. The feature launches next month for people in the Windows Insider program before rolling out to all users. A recent update to test versions of Windows 11 showed Recall as a feature that could not only be turned on or off, but could be completely uninstalled. On/Off Confusion Microsoft has now issued a statement saying that's not the case, telling The Verge that "We are aware of an issue where ... (view more) Full Article
english Do Phone 'Drying' Videos Really Work? By infopackets.com Published On :: Wed, 04 Sep 2024 17:55:35 +0000 YouTube videos that claim to fix a waterlogged phone really can work according to a semi-scientific test. But results are not guaranteed and it's not a reason to take excessive risks. Numerous videos (and some dedicated phone apps) all claim to fix a soggy phone in the same way. The theory is that the main risk is liquid getting into the phone through the speaker, which inherently can't be airtight - rather, quite the opposite. The videos "work" simply by playing a specific oscillating tone at a deep frequency that causes the speaker to push air at just the right force to dislodge the water. ... (view more) Full Article
english New Dumbphone Has Smart Branding By infopackets.com Published On :: Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:34:57 +0000 The makers of a Barbie-branded fliphone say it could help overcome smartphone addiction in young people. If nothing else, it could be a test case of form vs function. The handset is as overwhelmingly pink as you might expect, but is closer to a late 90s handset than a modern smartphone. It's made from HMD, which is the company that makes Nokia branded handsets. The device has virtually no modern features and doesn't allow app installation. It supports voice calls and basic texting but has no web browser or touchscreen. It has a single game, a Barbie-themed version of Snake. A Plethora Of Pink ... (view more) Full Article
english Ransomware Turns to Triple Threat By infopackets.com Published On :: Wed, 28 Aug 2024 17:47:40 +0000 A notorious ransomware group has engaged in a "triple threat" attack. As well as locking files and threatening to expose data, the Qilin group has been spotted trying to steal saved passwords from Chrome. The Qilin group appears to have been operating for at least two years but came to wider attention in 2022 when it attacked British hospitals. The group's origins and membership aren't known for certain, but it has communicated in Russian. As is becoming more common, Qilin doesn't simply restrict itself to encrypting files and systems and then demanding a ransom payment to restore access. It ... (view more) Full Article
english Banking Scam Bypasses iOS, Android App Store Vetting By infopackets.com Published On :: Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:13:07 +0000 A useful web feature could be a serious phishing risk according to security researchers. They say scammers are using "progressive web apps" to bypass Android and iOS security features. In simple terms, a progressive web app is a mix of a website and a standalone application. It's technically a website and uses web technologies, allowing for instant updates. However, it looks and feels more like a standalone app and can often access more of a device's resources than a web browser. Security firm ESET says scammers are using progressive web apps as a way to overcome a major limitation in scams ... (view more) Full Article
english Google Warns of 2G SMS Scam By infopackets.com Published On :: Fri, 23 Aug 2024 15:54:45 +0000 Google has warned Android users to disable 2G connectivity. It says scammers are taking advantage of the outdated tech to send phishing messages and other spam that gets past all filters. 2G cellphone service was commonplace in the 1990s before being followed by 3G in the 2000s. 2G was the beginning of digital mobile phone connections and allowed for SMS text messaging, though it wasn't fast enough to support reliable mobile Internet services. While most US carriers have disabled their 2G networks, many handsets still support it. It can be useful as a last resort in places with either limited ... (view more) Full Article
english Chrome Sharing Could Blur Sensitive Info By infopackets.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:35:14 +0000 Chrome on Android may soon automatically blur out sensitive data when screen sharing or recording. It's a potentially useful feature that brings some big questions. The feature was spotted as an optional "flag" in Chrome Canary, which means it's at the very earliest stage of public testing. Canary is a version of Chrome for people happy to be the first to try new features or update, the name referring to the literal "canary in the mine" whose death would warn miners of a problem such as a gas leak. Making a flag means it's not enabled by default even in Canary. That means it's very possible ... (view more) Full Article
english FTC Bans Fake Online Reviews By infopackets.com Published On :: Wed, 21 Aug 2024 16:52:41 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made it illegal to buy or sell fake reviews in return for payment. The new rule also outlaws lying about who wrote a review and includes several other measures designed to make reviews more trustworthy. The "Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials" was approved unanimously by the FTC and, once formally published, will take effect after 60 days. It follows a consultation and review spanning nearly two years. Threats Outlawed The rule is wide-ranging, banning the following actions based on creating, buying or selling a fake ... (view more) Full Article
english Google and Meta Accused of Teen Ad Targeting By infopackets.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Aug 2024 17:14:59 +0000 Google staff have been accused of exploiting a loophole to target ads at children. The workaround reportedly broke company policy but not any existing laws. According to the Financial Times, the workaround was done in partnership with Meta, which wanted a way to advertise Instagram on YouTube and target 13 to 17 year olds. (Source: ft.com ) Normally that would be impossible under Google's rules for targeting, which don't let advertisers specify ages under 18 when selecting who does and doesn't see an ad. Known Unknowns However, the Financial Times claims Google staff not only knew Meta wanted ... (view more) Full Article
english Apple 'Distraction Control' Tool May Block Ads By infopackets.com Published On :: Mon, 19 Aug 2024 16:31:09 +0000 iPhones and iPads could soon let users permanently hide parts of web pages including pop-up windows. The move has proven controversial with suggestions it could also be used as an ad-blocker. The new feature is called Distraction Control and is in the development beta stages (i.e. test version) of the Safari web browser in the upcoming iOS 18 update. It also appears to be on the way in Safari for Mac computers. The feature lets users tap a page menu button marked "Hide Distracting Items". That will bring up a list of elements on a web page such as pop-up windows, autoplay videos and banners ... (view more) Full Article
english Court: Google Has Search Monopoly By infopackets.com Published On :: Fri, 16 Aug 2024 20:10:13 +0000 Google has acted unlawfully to maintain its monopoly in the search market, according to a US court ruling. Whether it will face any practical consequences remains to be seen. The ruling was in a case brought by the Department of Justice alleging violations of the Sherman Act. That makes it a felony to intentionally act or conspire to have or maintain a monopoly in a particular market. Previous cases have established that this isn't simply about market share but rather the ability to exploit monopoly power. The judge in the case did not mince his words, stating that "Google is a monopolist, ... (view more) Full Article
english Google Search Results Slammed In Studies By infopackets.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:50:53 +0000 Two studies both say Google's search rankings help only the company itself. One says the ranking algorithm worsens the experience for users, while the other says paid placements in the rankings doesn't even benefit businesses. The first study is from WalletHub, which looked specifically at searches for 48 terms related to credit cards and banking. It claims that in more than a third of searches it carried out, the entire top 10 results were from pages that didn't have any editorial content and were simply promoting financial services for paid advertisers. (Source: wallethub.com ) (While some ... (view more) Full Article
english Android Malware Hidden For Years By infopackets.com Published On :: Wed, 14 Aug 2024 16:40:21 +0000 Five rogue Android apps remained in the Google Play store for more than two years. They hosted notorious malware called Mandrake that was hidden through some creative means. According to SecureList, the apps were titled AirFS, Amber, Astro Explorer, Brain Matrix and CryptoPulsing. The good news is that the apps had hardly any downloads, one of the reasons they attracted little attention. The real concern is whether malware distributors are using the same tactics with other apps. (Source: securelist.com ) Mandrake has been known about since 2020, though appears to have been in circulation ... (view more) Full Article
english Online Child Privacy Laws a Step Closer By infopackets.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Aug 2024 18:09:32 +0000 Two proposed laws to boost online privacy and security for children have received widespread backing in the Senate. Whether the measures will make it into law remains unclear. The laws are the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children and Teen's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0). They've now been combined into a single package for administrative and voting purposes. 86 Senators agreed the laws should be considered by the Senate while just one voted against. That means they will go to a final approval vote after further discussion. (Source: ctmirror.org ) Greater Parental Controls ... (view more) Full Article
english Chrome Update to Kill Many Addons, including Blockers By infopackets.com Published On :: Mon, 12 Aug 2024 16:49:42 +0000 Almost one in six Chrome extensions could stop working this summer thanks to a major Google update. They include one of the most prominent ad-blocking tools. An extension is a third party tool that integrates with Chrome to improve the user's experience when accessing websites. They can include tools as diverse as password managers, page translators and video downloaders, though ad blockers are perhaps the best known. Extensions are able to integrate with Chrome and access its data thanks for a platform called Manifest. Google has developed a Version 3 of Manifest and is phasing out support ... (view more) Full Article
english VideoProc Converter AI Review By infopackets.com Published On :: Mon, 12 Aug 2024 16:12:59 +0000 What's one of the best one-stop video/image quality enhancement and editing software available for Windows? Answer: Digiarty's VideoProc Converter AI! From the makers of WinX DVD Ripper and WinX Video Converter comes VideoProc Converter: a multi-award winning software program that is a one-stop video/image processing program that allows you to restore and enhance video image quality in 1 click, convert video/audio, rip DVDs, edit video, download videos, video to GIF maker ... plus much more! The latest version of VideoProc Converter AI includes the ability to upscale old pictures and video ... (view more) Full Article
english 'All I do is...': After Arjun Kapoor confirms breakup with Malaika Arora, her cryptic video goes viral By dnaindia.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 01:07:00 GMT Malaika Arora talking about being 'boring baby' in cryptic video after Arjun Kapoor confirmed their breakup. Full Article Entertainment Bollywood
english Meet Tulsi Gabbard, Hindu American who is appointed by Donald Trump as US director of national intelligence By dnaindia.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:59:00 GMT Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider, compared to her predecessor. Full Article World
english Delhi traffic advisory issued as trade fair at Pragati Maidan begins today, congestion expected on these roads By dnaindia.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:39:29 GMT No vehicles will be allowed to halt or park on Mathura Road or Bhairon Marg. Full Article Delhi ncr
english World Diabetes Day 2024: Types, causes, precaution to avoid this chronic disease By dnaindia.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:39:18 GMT While some types of diabetes are manageable with medications and lifestyle adjustments, others can lead to long-term health issues. Full Article Health
english Children's Day 2024: 50 WhatsApp wishes, messages, quotes to share on bal diwas By dnaindia.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:39:07 GMT Here are 50 WhatsApp messages and quotes you can share with your loved ones on this special occasion: Full Article Lifestyle
english AUS vs PAK Live Streaming: When and where to watch Australia vs Pakistan 1st T20I live in India? By dnaindia.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:38:45 GMT Australia vs Pakistan: Here's everything you need to know about the game, from live streaming options to team lineups and more. Full Article Sports Cricket
english Meet richest family of Bollywood, once sold fruits, has net worth of Rs 10000 crore, not Kapoors, Khans, it is... By dnaindia.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:38:31 GMT Meet rihest family of Bollywood surpassing the net worth of the Khans, Kapoor, Full Article Entertainment
english Meet man who quit IIT Bombay without getting degree, moved to US, later earned Rs 286 crore in just 5 months by... By dnaindia.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:37:20 GMT Meet an IIT Bombay dropout who found success in the crypto world and now works as co-head of Market-Neutral at BlockTower Capital. Full Article Education
english IND vs SA: Ramandeep Singh achieves THIS feat on T20I debut, joins Suryakumar Yadav in elite list By dnaindia.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:37:08 GMT India's rising star, Ramandeep Singh, received his cap from senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya just before the toss at SuperSport Park. Full Article Sports Cricket
english Meet man who used to earn just Rs 65, now heads Rs 23416 crore company, he is... By dnaindia.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:36:57 GMT R. G. Chandramogan, chairman of Hatsun Agro Product, hails from Chennai and was a college dropout who began by selling ice cream from pushcarts. Full Article Business
english Anupamaa producer Rajan Shahi breaks silence over Rupali Ganguly's dispute with stepdaughter Esha Verma: 'You have...' By dnaindia.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:20:20 GMT Anupamaa producer Rajan Shahi has supported Rupali Ganguly after the actress slapped her stepdaughter Esha Verma with a legal notice, seeking Rs 50 crore in damages. Full Article Entertainment Television
english IND vs SA, 3rd T20I: Tilak Varma's maiden T20I century guides India to 11-run win over South Africa, lead series 2-1 By dnaindia.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:22:00 GMT Tilak Varma showcased his talent by scoring his maiden T20I century, leading India to a formidable total of 219/6 in 20 overs against South Africa. Full Article Sports Cricket
english DNA TV Show: Arsh Dalla, Khalistani terrorist, arrested in Canada By dnaindia.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 18:21:41 GMT He also had a connection with Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in a gang war last year. Full Article Analysis
english Ameesha Patel sparks dating rumours with 'darling' Nirvaan Birla after their Dubai photo goes viral, gets trolled for... By dnaindia.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 18:16:37 GMT Ameesha Patel was age shamed after her intimate picture with businessman Nirvaan Birla went viral on social media. While Ameesha is 49 years old, Nirvaan is 30. Full Article Entertainment Bollywood
english Pushpa 2 first review: Rashmika Mandanna says Allu Arjun movie is 'freaking amazing' By dnaindia.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 18:00:22 GMT Ahead of the mega trailer launch, Rashmika Mandanna shared her thoughts after watching Allu Arjun in Pushpa 2: The Rule. Full Article Entertainment
english Kanguva box office prediction day 1: Suriya to score his career-best opening; set to beat Kamal Haasan, Chiyaan Vikram By dnaindia.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:42:44 GMT Kanguva is set to take third biggest opening in Tamil Nadu this year after Thalapathy Vijay's The Greatest of All Time and Rajinikanth's Vettaiyan. Full Article Entertainment
english SA vs IND: Tilak Varma scripts history with maiden century in 3rd T20I against South Africa By dnaindia.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:31:00 GMT Despite the early dismissals of Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh, Tilak continued his onslaught and ensured India posted a formidable total of 219 runs on the board. Full Article Sports Cricket
english WATCH: Bride shares heartbreaking moment as only 5 guests attend her wedding reception, video goes viral By dnaindia.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:29:00 GMT A bride shares her heartbreak after only five guests showed up to her wedding reception despite receiving 40 RSVPs. Full Article Viral
english Mukesh Ambani becomes only Indian to enter Fortune's list of 100 Most Powerful People in Business, secures... By dnaindia.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:21:00 GMT Ambani is the richest man in India and Asia with a net worth of USD 98 billion, as per Forbes. Full Article Business
english KL Rahul finally breaks silence on animated chat with Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka during IPL 2024 By dnaindia.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:01:00 GMT Following a crushing 10-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka expressed his displeasure and engaged in a heated discussion with the captain on the field. Full Article Sports Cricket
